WCLK’s Gwen Redding (above), known to the jazz world as Rivablue, has been in the industry for
Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice
Atlanta Black Pride to Host “Love and Legacy Pride Fundraiser”
Rivablue continues to serve the sounds of jazz
BY KYNNEDI S. JACKSON DTU Intern
Gwen Redding, known to the jazz world as Rivablue, has been in the industry for over 40 years. With so much to unpack, these four decades have all played a part in helping her become who she is today. Her goal has always been to “make sure that people can be heard,” she says.
Music has been a significant part of Redding’s life since childhood. She remembers the first song that captivated her, "I Want to Hold Your Hand" by The Beatles in 1963. Since then, her passion for music has only grown stronger. She says it will always have a special place in her heart.
With music holding such a dear spot in her heart, you would think that's where she would end up automatically. But no, Redding began her collegiate career as a nursing major at the University of The District of Columbia. It wasn’t until a math class was canceled that she met a young man who introduced her to the world of radio broadcasting. With a quick tutorial, he threw her into the fire at their college’s radio station, WUDC.
Redding later joined WDCU-FM, which later transformed into Jazz 90. There she not only worked onair and behind the scenes but also began to delve deeper into her personal jazz radio career.
As she gained more experience performing, she was advised to adopt a stage name. Though she hadn't previously considered it, "Rivablue" came to mind. The name holds significant meaning for her. During a journey to visit her mother, she glanced up while driving over a bridge and was struck by the beauty of the sky and water. "It was so beautiful," she reminisces. "Riva" symbolizes a river, while "blue" represents the sky. She sees it as a statement. "Those are the things that separate us but bring us together." Moreover, Redding interprets it as a promise: "I’ll be with you wherever you go, beyond the horizon."
In 1994 she first embraced the name Rivablue and in 2001 she left D.C. with the goal of reaching New Orleans, yet destiny led her to Atlanta instead.
It wasn’t until 2006 that she re-
turned to radio work. She received a call to interview at WCLK, Clark Atlanta University’s radio station. Initially hesitant due to her time away from the radio scene, Redding decided to go for it. During an interview with The Atlanta Voice, Redding recalled advice given to her years ago by Joe Williams, “Stop thinking about it and just do it." To become more comfortable with Atlanta's jazz artists, she attended jam sessions. She adds, "Radio is here to stay…people need radio." Today her show among the top 20 local shows and for radio “that is pretty darn good”, Redding says.
Rivablue advises younger individuals, "While you’re in the moment— you’re in the moment; don’t wait for another day." Although radio wasn't initially her dream, she lives by a statement once told to her: "You did not choose radio, radio chose you."
Redding started her career in Washington, D.C. before moving to Atlanta and later returning to the radio world.
Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice
Redding remembers the first song that captivated her, “I Want to Hold Your Hand” by The Beatles in 1963. Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice
‘You’re not going to police
us’: Delta Air Lines workers rally for union representation
BY LAURA NWOGU
Delta Air Lines workers, laborers and community allies gathered on Wednesday to demand union representation. On sidewalks yards away from a Delta Airlines employee parking lot, they held signs demanding a stop to union busting — an attempt by management to prevent employees from exercising their legal right to unionize — and yelled chants pressing for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) union representation.
Their shirts declared they were “standing on the shoulders of those who came before us.”
“This campaign has been going on since 2014. We've had some strong union brothers and sisters transition out to die, and then we've had others retire, but they fought the fight they started. We want to make sure they understand that we didn't forget their beginning,” said Charlie Hood, the office manager for the Atlanta Delta ramp campaign. “Now we're here in 2024 fighting the same fight they were fighting 10 years ago.”
Delta Airlines is considered the most profitable airline in the United States. However, while it leads in profits, it trails in union employees. Delta has the lowest percentage of workers represented by unions among major airliners, with the airline’s pilots and dispatchers as the only unionized employees. Union organizers lost a 2010 election at Del-
ta after previous attempts failed in 2002 and 2008. This current push stems from a coordinated campaign announced in November 2022 to reorganize a union push that was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019; it includes Delta flight attendants, fleet service workers and technicians.
Hood said workers' concerns include salary, staffing shortage, run-down equipment, health and safety issues, lack of sick policy leave, mistreatment and favoritism by leadership and inconsistency with policy rules.
“That’s an everyday condition with Delta workers,” Hood said. “They don't treat their workers right on a daily basis. This is far bigger than the union, but we know that once
we get a seat at the table, there are certain things we can change.”
Daniel McCurdy, a ramp agent, has been employed with Delta for 26 years, even before the airline merged with Northwest Airlines. He said he remembers when the airline gave raises to convince workers that they didn’t need a union. Now he said the tide has changed, and, in their several efforts to organize over the years, he’s never seen more people “pissed off” inside the workplace than they are now.
“We lead it in profits, and we should be leading this industry in pay benefits, work rules, vacation; unfortunately, we don't lead in any of that, so it's going to take unionizing
to let Delta understand that we want to be brought along for the ride, and we're going to stand up for ourselves.”
Delta workers and organizers at the rally said the airline has been unresponsive and has been trying to “shut down our message” through anti-union literature and videos in the break rooms and anti-union speech toward new hires. However, Hood said they have letters from Warnock and other state representations supporting their efforts to unionize but acknowledged that the results of the presidential election in November could change the labor-friendly atmosphere.
Wednesday’s rally will lead into a John Lewis commemorative service tonight and a silent protest at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Thursday. Thursday night, Delta workers and community activists will discuss the fight for union representation on the broadcast show “Roland Martin Unfiltered” from 6 to 8 p.m.
“Since Delta prides itself on being the best airline in the world. Their workers should have the best benefits worldwide,” said Amanda Goodman-Berry, a Delta Air Lines worker helping organize workers into the IAM. “It's telling Delta, you're not going to police my voice. You're not going to police my vote. You're not going to police our tone. You're not going to police us. We're going to do it, and we're going to do it today. So this is what has changed — people are willing to stand up and tell Delta to back off.”
Delta Air Lines workers, laborers and community allies gathered on Wednesday, July 17 to demand union representation.
Photo by Laura Nwogu/The Atlanta Voice
Their shirts declared they were “standing on the shoulders of those who came before us.”
Photo by Laura Nwogu/The Atlanta Voice
“Discomfort is always a necessary part of enlightenment.” — Pearl Cleage
BY CHRIS B. BENNETT
EForget What You Heard, Newspapers Are Not Dead
very few months, someone asks me why I’m still in the newspaper industry. The common narrative is, “Aren’t newspapers basically done?”
My response is a resounding NO! Local, community-based newspapers are, and will continue to be, trusted news sources. The digital age has allowed many publications to grow their audience exponentially, while others, including most African American newspapers, maintain a strong print readership.
However, collectively we community-based publications have not done a very good job of telling our story. The dark cloud daily publications have cast over the industry is problematic for journalism as a whole. But no one is talking about why dailies are struggling and why smaller publications are seeing a resurgence in readership and community support.
For decades, daily publications relied heavily on classified advertising to finance a significant portion of their operations. With some classified-ad sections reaching nearly 200 pages in many cities, these daily giants could afford reporters to cover different types of news: home and garden, entertainment, sports and business, as well as publish TV guides and many other sections. Smaller, community-based publications, however, never had that luxury and
have always had to do more with less.
When I look at the work my colleagues are doing across the country, their audience metrics should result in increased advertising revenue. While many have held their own during and after the pandemic, however, these publications are still fighting for their fair share of marketing dollars, while at the same time having to defend their relevance in their local communities despite a rich legacy.
For instance, AmsterdamNews.com now has 250,000 average unique monthly visitors. In addition, the N.Y. Amsterdam News boasts over 1 million average monthly social media engagements and 10,000 legacy print and single-copy subscribers.
The Houston Defender raised over $100,000 from readers during the COVID-19 pandemic, money that will support and expand their digital presence and help better serve their community.
The Sacramento Observer expanded its newsroom from three journalists to about fifteen during the pandemic, allowing them to cover news and events in Sacramento in unprecedented ways. The influx of new writers and a solid editorial leadership team paid dividends: The Observer won numerous national awards, including being named the Black Newspaper of the Year by the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA). Its publisher, Larry Lee,
was recognized as Publisher of the Year by the NNPA, and the Sacramento Business Journal selected him as one of its 25 Most Admired CEOse
These are just a few examples of legacy print publications and the great work that they are doing in their communities. They are staying relevant at a time when many people discount media outlets because they still have the word “newspaper” attached to them. Newspapers are not dead; they are evolving. As trusted news sources for many years, newspapers, especially those serving minority and historically underserved communities, give voice to the voiceless, speak truth to power, and offer a true narrative for news that directly impacts readers’ lives.
When you stop thinking about newspapers as just legacy print publications and realize they are multimedia companies expanding their reach and influence daily, you will see their value not only in our communities but across the country.
So, the next time you look at a legacy print publication, consider what you can do, individually and collectively, to ensure they can continue telling our stories — whether in print or digitally — and amplify the voices that often go unnoticed, ignored, or dismissed.
Chris B. Bennett is CEO and Publisher of The Seattle Medium Newspaper Group and a founding member of Word In Black.
FOUNDED May 11, 1966 FOUNDER/EDITOR
Ed Clayton Immortalis Memoria
PUBLISHER/EDITOR
J. Lowell Ware Immortalis Memoria
The Atlanta Voice honors the life of J. Lowell Ware.
PUBLISHER
Janis Ware
jlware@theatlantavoice.com
PRESIDENT/ GENERAL MANAGER
James A. Washington 2018-2024
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For decades, print journalism has been in decline. However, smaller community-oriented publications, especially those serving Black readers, have found ways to adapt.
SPIRITUALLY SPEAKING
THE PRAYER PATIENCE INTERSECTION F
BY JAMES A. WASHINGTON The Atlanta Voice
or some reason, I have been thinking about two very powerful spiritual concepts, those being patience and prayer. The Senior Pastor of Friendship-West Baptist Church, Frederick Douglass Haynes III, made a statement from the pulpit recently that sort of capsulated my thoughts. He said, “There is no such thing as an emergency in eternity.” It appears for those who claim Christianity that time, God’s time, must somehow be reconciled with man’s time. Prayer seems to provide the mechanism by which we think we can accomplish this.
There is no such thing as an emergency in eternity.
will be right on time.
There is no such thing as an emergency in eternity.
In today’s so-called fast-paced world, we tend to want what we want now, immediately, including those things that we ask God for. At times we are in a rush to be delivered from, sent to, get ours, or solve whatever. As if God operated
On our time schedule, we can actually question God’s judgment based on the amount of time He answers or doesn’t answer our entreaties. Prayer is even evaluated by us by how long it takes to hear from God as determined by our body clocks. Many of us want to treat this situation as if God was on call awaiting our text. I’ve come to understand that through prayer, and legitimate belief in God’s power, eventually you will get your answer. It will be the right one, and it
Think about it. How many things can you look back over your own life and thank God that you didn’t get even though you begged and pleaded for it? Was it a job? Maybe a spouse, some man, or some woman you couldn’t live without? Now, through hindsight, it turns out that the best thing that could have happened did happen. How often can you say that had you gotten what you prayed for when you prayed for it, it is now a certainty that you were indeed not ready for it? Can you spell disaster? Through prayer, I’ve come to know that one of the beautiful things about the Lord is that He will bless you with what you need, when and only when He knows you can handle it, or should I say appreciate it?
We’ve all been told at one time or another that God won’t put anything on us that we can’t handle. I personally know and can testify that you cannot prove that by me. Many times I have known for a fact that I could not make it another day. I’ve known on plenty of occasions that another further I just couldn’t go, only to find myself by the grace of God and the Holy Spirit,
“YOUR VOICE”
that when the sun came up the next day, so did I.At these times, you begin to realize that the key is to leave it alone after you’ve placed it in the hands of God. Let go and let God. Jesus did the dirty work. Now, all you have to do is remember why.
“He said to them, ‘It is not for you to know the times or the dates the Father has set by His own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you…” Acts 1:7-8. This power I believe, is evident when patience and prayer come together and reveal to you that there is a divine reason for you to experience what it is that you, we, go through daily. Without trials and tribulations, there can be no wisdom. Unless you submit to the will of God, there can be no salvation. Without salvation, prayers cannot be answered. So when you want God to hurry up because you are about to “lose your mind up in here, ”that’s proof you’re not ready. My testimony tells me that until I could and did give it all to God, I couldn’t appreciate anything He might have for me. Like Abraham, it is only with total belief in the Father that a ram appears in the bush. May you always find your ram and may May God always bless and keep you always. This column is from “Spiritually Speaking: Reflections for and from a New Christian” by James Washington. You can purchase this enlightening book on Amazon and start your journey towards spiritual enlightenment.
What was your initial reaction to the assassination attempt
on Republican candidate Donald
Trump?
BEVERLY BAKER
Atlanta
“My initial reaction was it was an inside job. I believe that the shooter and also the victim were part of Donald Trump's plan. This is just a derailment to get off the subject of what he's facing, and I truly believe it is an inside job. I do. I believe it was an inside job until I see proof that this man was not part of a plan.”
OMARI STENNET
Covington
“I think it was absurd. I think it was uncalled for. I'm not a big fan of politics like that. I'm not even a big fan of Donald Trump. However, he's for the people from listening to Donald Trump and what he represents and speaks about. And all he wanted to do was the right thing. So I don't I don't want him to get killed. I don't want anybody to get killed. But, you know, I thought it was absurd. And I'm more than grateful that he survived. And I wish the best for him. I don't want anything to happen to Donald Trump. And that's my answer. It's good.”
FRANCESCA LOWE
Fayetteville
“I didn't believe it. I didn't know what was going on. I didn't hear about it. My coworker just told me. And the first thing that came to mind was that it was staged. It was not real to provoke sympathy or empathy. I'm not sure which one. That's it.”
ROGER WILLIAMS Atlanta
“My first reaction to what happened to Trump is that I believe the government set it up because a real sniper is not going to miss; if they wanted to shoot you, they would have shot you. A real sniper is not going to miss. I think it was politically set up for him to get more votes, get more attention, and for him to make history because he was almost assassinated. I mean, it's all publicity.”
Compiled by Vincent Christie
‘The Black Church will once again save America’ Religion
BY DONNELL SUGGS
With only a few hours till United States President Joseph R. Biden takes to a podium and conducts a press conference with the nation’s media, some of whom have been critical of both his debate performance and his lack of full transparency on whether he will step away from the campaign, faith leaders from Georgia held their own press conference in the rotunda of the Georgia State Capitol.
Bishop Reginald Jackson, Presiding Prelate of the 6th Episcopal District of Georgia, and Rev. Timothy McDonald, the faith leader at First Iconium Baptist Church on Moreland Avenue, were very clear about why they and a dozen pastors and church leaders were there on Thursday morning.
“The Black Church will once again save America,” Rev. McDonald said. “The Black Church has saved America time and time again, and we’re going to set records again for voter turnout.”
McDonald and Bishop Jackson took questions from the assembled media in attendance, but not before they spoke about how the current presidential administration and Democratic Party need to show more unity in the face of recent opposition to Biden remaining the party’s choice for a presidential candidate.
“Democrats need to unite and fight against the enemies of democracy,” Jackson said. “We are at war. This nation is at war against MAGA, Project 2025, white nationalists, and efforts to turn back time.”
Jackson asked a rhetorical question to the Republican Party: “Why haven’t you asked the leader of your party to step down?”
He challenged the Democratic Party to focus more on Biden’s record during his three and a half years in office and less on the results of the first debate between him and former United States President Donald J. Trump and recent poll data that has Biden by as much as six points in some cases.
“Rather than talk about how old he is,” said Jackson of Biden, “You can talk about his record.”
During his comments, Jackson mentioned the low Black unemployment rate, investments in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and the start of more Blackowned businesses during the Biden-Harris administration.
Despite his many talking points, Jackson’s most repeated message was unity within the party.
“The goal is to win,” he said. “In order to win, you have to be united.”
McDonald also used his time behind the microphones and in front of the cameras to ask questions.
Kohl’s and Boys & Girls Clubs of America foster mental health discussion
“I ponder who supports Donald Trump. It’s the radical religious right. The same people who supported slavery.”
He continued, “We know the character of Donald Trump. I don’t question his character. I question the character of anyone that calls themself a Christian and supports Donald Trump.”
Jackson and McDonald took turns asking the media to distribute the right information to the voting public. They called the media ”tools” for telling the truth.
“The media is a tool,” McDonald said. “It’s a good tool. You all are supposed to tell the truth. If Donald Trump wins, you won’t have freedom of the press. We need you to get the truth out.”
The Atlanta Voice asked Jackson how important the 5:30 p.m. presidential press conference was to slowing or stopping talk of Biden’s political demise. Jackson said the opportunity for Biden to talk directly to the nation through the press is “critically important.”
“I think he will be prepared,” Jackson added. “What I like about Joe Biden is that he’ll tell the truth with or without a teleprompter.
Bishop Reginald Jackson, Presiding Prelate of the 6th Episcopal District of Georgia (front) and Rev. Timothy McDonald, the faith leader at First Iconium Baptist Church on Moreland Avenue (right) and other faith leaders held a press conference in support of United States President Joseph R. Biden at the Georgia State Capitol Thursday morning. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice
Rev. Timothy McDonald, the faith leader at First Iconium Baptist Church on Moreland Avenue (above, left) said, “The Black Church has saved America time and time again and we’re going to set records again for voter turnout.” Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice
Black Girls Code comes to Spelman College
Chase Hosts Back-To-School Event in Summerhill
BY ERINN GARDNER DTU Intern
Chase hosted a back-to-school student and family event at the Summerhill Community Center on Saturday, July 13. In order to encourage adequate financial habits, the bank’s community team held five insightful workshops ranging from investing 101 to building and understanding credit.
Community residents of different ages, races and economic status gathered in the center for the company’s second annual back-to-school event. According to JPMorgan Chase Community and Business Development Managing and Divisional Director Bridget Killings, Chase was very intentional about choosing workshops, with the goal of ensuring that people of all ages could gain value from them. The premise of the event is that one is never too young nor old to attain financial literacy.
“What we love about today is that parents are bringing their kids in for this education, so not only are the parents getting an education, but the kids are too. And once they leave, the parents can continue this education at home so it’s applicable to all aspects of life,” Killings said.
Black and brown communities statistically do not discuss finances at home as thoroughly as other communities. This event offered them the opportunity to acquire new information in order to effectively converse, and hold those kitchen table discussions at home.
“You don’t want your kids to grow up struggling, so it’s best to teach them about finance and how to manage their money at a young age,” community resident Annesheia Hill said.
The Emerging 100 Atlanta partnered with Chase when coordinating this event, as their mission aligns with the doings of the banking company. They aim to serve as a reflection of not only the Black youth, but of the community as a whole.
“We have an obligation, and it is tied to our mission to serve the community, to be of assistance and to inspire,” Emerging 100 Atlanta Co-Chair Daniel Farr said. “What they see is what they become. We want to ensure that we are serving alongside them, never in front, never behind, but always beside.”
To lighten the back-to-school shopping load, Chase gave away 400 backpacks, along with school supplies. This provides parents the option to preserve their funds and apply the financial advice they learned during these sessions to invest in themselves, as well as their children.
“I’m a mother of five and I know back to school season can be very stressful and our goal today is to lighten parents’ loads. It means the world to us to be able to support and provide for our community,” JPMorgan Chase Executive and Market Director of Banking Ladonna Murphy said.
The company’s community team held a carnival style event outside of the center with games and treats appealing to the youth: popcorn, Jenga, Connect 4, ice cream and music. Finally, Atlanta HawkHarry the Hawk arrived to interact with the children and take photos with the guests.
“I think financial literacy classes are important for building generational wealth, and I didn’t really know how to navigate teaching that to my children, so I thought it was a great opportunity for us to come and take advantage of a free resource in our neighborhood,” Summerhill resident Miesha Lanes said.
The community’s youth acquired new school supplies at the backpack giveaway. Photo by Erinn Gardner/The Atlanta Voice
Parties, protests & proclamations in Milwaukee
RNC 2024 Election Central
BY DONNELL SUGGS
The Republican National Convention ended with speeches from former United States President Donald J. Trump and his choice for vice president, Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, but it began with a lot of speeches, press conferences, parties, and protests. The Atlanta Voice was in Milwaukee for coverage of the quadannual convention. At the end of the four days Trump is the Republican party’s unanimous choice to represent the GOP in the upcoming presidential election on November 5. The Democratic National Convention where United States President Joseph R. Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are expected to be nominated as their party’s choices to continue representing as POTUS and VP, scheduled to take place in Chicago from August 1922. The Atlanta Voice will be there to cover that convention as well.
On Wednesday night the theme of the conference was “Make America Safe Again.” Along with Vance and his wife Usha Chilukuri Vance, who introduced her husband that night, there were several speakers with military service backgrounds that spoke of the border being less secured under the current administration and “making America safe again.”
“Choose a new path for our children and grandchildren,” said Vance, a father of three, during his first speech as the vice president nominee. “My message to you, my fellow Republicans, is that we love this country and we are united to win.”
He went on to talk about his background, first as a poor child and next as a young United States Marine. A graduate of Ohio State University and Yale Law School, Vance stuck with the script and talked up Trump and talked down Biden and Harris.
“Tonight we celebrate that he is our once and future President of the United States of America,” Vance said of Trump to much applause.
The final theme of the convention was “Make America Great Once Again.” Here’s to seeing what that looks like as both the Biden-Harris administration and Trump/Vance ticket ramp up their respective campaigns.
Protest and Proclamations
While former United States President Donald J. Trump was receiving an overwhelming nod from the Republican National Committee during the official roll call of the states and his vice president selection, Republican Senator J.D. Vance (Ohio) earned a unanimous nomination from the party hundreds of protesters filled Red Arrow Park in down-
town Milwaukee on Monday, July 15.
Located just two miles from Fiserv Forum where the Republican National Convention began the first day of a four-day quadrennial celebration of Republican politics and ideals, the protest was hosted by the Coalition to March on the RNC. Over 100 organizations signed up to attend and speak during the rally, according to Coalition leaders.
Chants of "Free, free Palestine" and "From
Palestine to Mexico, all the walls have got to go" rang out during the anti-Trump, anti-establishment rally. The organizations plan to gather again during the Democratic National Convention in Chicago in August, according to a number of organization spokesmen.
Alongside Williams and the Democratic Socialists of America were speakers from the New Orleans Students for Democratic Society, the Youth Democratic Socialists of America, the Homegrown Organizing Committee, the Denver Anti-War Action, American Party of Labor, which was one of several pro-union organizations in Milwaukee on Monday, the Milwaukee League of Anarchists, Detroit Anti-War Committee, a student-led organization at Wayne State University, the Freedom Socialists Party, and the Green Party of Greater Milwaukee.
There were also pro-Trump and anti-Black Lives Matter supporters at the park during the rally. One man that wasn't a part of either group, but was pro-Trump was Albany, Georgia resident Billy Pollard, who was selling Trump bumper stickers for a dollar across the street from the park. Pollard, 62, drove to Milwaukee from Georgia to support the former president. He said he voted for Trump twice and was planning to do so again in November.
"Donald Trump brings me here because he's a great man that keeps his word," said Pollard who wore one of his Trump bumper stickers on the front of his navy blue t-shirt.
when asked why he was in Milwaukee on Monday. "Promises made, promises kept. He gets things done and he gets them done fast."
‘America is not a racist country’
After Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene took the stage on night one of the Republican National Convention the next three speakers were all Black men. Current Lt. Governor of North Carolina Mark Robinson, Texas Congressman Wesley Hunt, and Congressman John James of Michigan's 10th District all spoke about their personal stories, the importance of voting this November, and why former United States President Donald J. Trump is the best choice for president.
Robinson, the first Black Lt. governor in the history of North Carolina, led things off by telling a story about growing up poor as the ninth of 10 children in North Carolina. "There is hope and I'm living proof," said Robinson, who is running for a gubernatorial campaign for his state's seat this fall. Robinson went on to say the country's economics were better during the first Trump administration and that Republican voters have to help put him back in office this November.
"Under President Trump the American dream was alive and well," he said. "This November lets select the Braveheart of our time, Donald J. Trump."
Robinson was followed by Texas Congressman Wesley Hunt, who was one of the politicians that attended the barbershop small business forum in Atlanta last month. Hunt, a veteran of the United States military, who said he was a great, great grandson of a slave, said 65% of Americans are living "paycheck to paycheck" and that was because of Biden and Harris.
"We must win in November to take our country back," Hunt said.
Congressman John James of Michigan, also a veteran, and United States Senator Tim Scott followed a bit later and upon taking the stage asked the crowd, Scott said, "Are you ready for four more years of Donald Trump?"
Scott began his speech by talking about the attempted assassination attempt of Trump on Saturday in Butler, Pennsylvania. He told the crowd that if they didn't believe in miracles before Saturday they better believe now.
"We are not setting the course for the next four years, we are setting the course for the next 40 years," Scott said. "We are the Republican Party of Frederick Douglas, Abraham Lincoln, and Donald Trump."
Byron Donalds, Congressman out of Flori-
See RNC on page 9
The Republican National Convention took place inside Fiserv Forum in downtown Milwaukee from July 15-18, 2024. Photo by AP
Francois DeMonique of Detroit, Michigan, was selling his “MAGA: Meet A Great American” t-shirt and cap line near Fiserv Forum. He told The Atlanta Voice he plans to do the same at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago next month. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice
Continued from page 8
da, took the stage to massive applause. He was there to close the Black portion of the evening's speakers. Wearing a red tie and navy blue suit, Donalds stayed on brand and spoke mostly about the value of education.
"Donald Trump believes every parent deserves a choice and every child deserves a chance," Donalds said. "If there was ever a time in our nation to come together, that time is now. With Trump our economy will boom again. Together we will make America great again."
If you take the speaker lineup on night one of the Republican National Convention as proof, at least we can all agree that the Republican Party is doing a better job of proving that it is not.
The New Mavericks
Whether it is a plan or an ironic coincidence, the movement to put Black Republicans out front this week continued on Tuesday afternoon at a boutique hotel in the Walkers Point section of the city. "The New Mavericks' 'are how Black Republican leadership around the country are being described, at least this week during the party's largest event of the year. The Black Republican Mayors Association and the Georgia Republican Party hosted the event which featured talking points from the organization's Chairman Aurora, Illinois Mayor Richard Irvin, Republican National Convention (RNC) Georgia delegates Bruce LeVell, Rufus Montgomery, South Carolina Senator Tim Scott, and congressmen Byron Donalds (FL), Wesley Hunt (TX), John James, (MI) and Burgess Owens (UT). Each of whom took turns making sure to say that Trump is the right man to lead the country out of its current financial and spiritual malaise.
"To bring our country back from Marxism and socialism," Burgess said. "We will be the communities that bring our country back from the abyss."
Day two of the Republican National Convention, which takes place at Fiserv Forum, starts in the early evening, which gives delegates, surrogates and supporters of the Republican Party and its nominees for president and vice president, former United States President Trump and Ohio Senator JD Vance a chance to gather for events. The Black Republican Mayors Association event felt very much like a carryover from last night's speeches at the RNC from Black politicians, North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, Hunt, Donalds, James, and Scott, who said during his speech last night that "America is not a racist country."
This was the first time the Black Republican Mayors Association and Georgia Republican Party worked together to put on an event like this, according to many of the men that took to the outdoor stage at the hotel.
"Our movement cannot be stopped," said Scott. "The needs of the people will be met."
"You represent a dream of mine," Burgess said of seeing so many Black Republican leaders in one space on one accord.
Georgia Republican Party Chairman Josh-
ua McKoons, one two white men that was on stage that afternoon, said it was too bad it took so long for the two organizations to come together like this. "The best time to start is now, right here in Milwaukee, Wisconsin."
Irvin, the mayor of a town of just under 182,00, according to data provided by Data USA, said the politicians were there to talk about the future of our country. "I am a Republican mayor in a blue city in a blue state getting things done," said Irvin.
Montgomery, who opened the conversation by welcoming everyone to the event, was more up front about why this event was planned and ultimately took place. He said Irvin wanted to "get some Black folks together at the RNC," he joked.
The old saying goes, "Many a true word is said in jest" and even though Montgomery was joking there was truth in what he said.
Cynthia D. Blake, the assistant to Chairman for African American engagement for the Summit County Republican Party in Akron, Ohio believes more events like this need to take place in order to change how Black voters feel about the GOP.
"I'm here today to support what the mayors do across the country because I understand what they do is important," Blake explained. "I want to get the Republican Party to understand that it has to do more to support the inner cities."
Dressed in red and white, Milwaukee County Republican Party 2nd Vice Chair Cindy Weaver said she too was here to represent a different ideal of the Republican Party.
"I'm here to encourage and promote individuals that work to expand the Republican Party," she said.
There was no sighting of GOP superstar surrogate Amber Rose on Tuesday afternoon.
Night 2: Senate or Bust
The United States Senate was on the mind of the Republican National Committee on
longtime Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey. The same talking points would be repeated by Republican senatorial candidates Jim Banks (Indiana), Sam Brown (Nevada), Tim Sheehy (Montana) and Hung Cao (Virginia).
After making a pronoun joke, Sheehy, who is running against Jon Tester, said, “Jon Tester is the deciding vote for Biden’s America last agenda.”
Cao, a retired U.S. Navy veteran of 25 years, moved to the U.S. with his parents as a child and referred to the United States of America as having “saved my life.” His military experience is something he wears on his sleeve and is often mentioned during his public speaking appearances. “We will vote for love of God, love of family, and love for the greatest country on Earth,” he said. “I’m not done fighting for us.”
Day 3: Project 2025 is at top of mind of Biden-Harris administration
night two of the Republican National Convention Tuesday night. Former Arizona gubernatorial candidate and current senatorial candidate Kari Lake joined a host of other Republican senatorial candidates in denouncing the job the Biden-Harris administration has done the past three and a half years. Lake and the others were looking to reinforce the need for Republican voters to help the GOP get a majority in the Senate, something that can go a long way to reaching goals like Project 2025, for example.
“Americans are much more united than you may believe,” said Lake during her speech, which also included pot shots at the “fake news” media. “You guys up there in the fake news have worn out your welcome,” she said.
The speeches that were supposed to unify Americans of both parties, at least on this night, included takedowns from senatorial candidates galore. Wisconsin’s Eric Horde, who is running against Senator Tammy Baldwin, who has held her seat for over a decade, said, “Where Biden and Baldwin have failed, President Trump and I will succeed.”
Bernie Moreno of Ohio followed Horde on stage and commenced to denounce illegal immigrants despite his parents getting him and his siblings to the United States from their native Colombia when they were children. “Many years ago my parents brought me and my siblings to this country legally,” Moreno said with an emphasis on the word “legally.”
He spent the bulk of his five minutes on stage blaming the Biden-Harris administration for illegal immigrants entering this country. Moreno is running against Senator Sherrod Brown, a very popular and longtime member of the Senate. “A vote for Trump/Moreno is a vote to put America first,” Moreno said before leaving the stage and making way for Mike Rogers and David McCormick. Rogers, is a senatorial candidate in Michigan and McCormick, whose wife Dina Powell was the Deputy National Security Advisor during the Trump administration, is running against
The Biden-Harris campaign held a press conference at an office building in downtown Milwaukee on Wednesday morning. The presser focussed on a number of hot political topics, including Project 2025. Biden-Harris Principal Deputy Campaign Manager Quentin Fulks, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Texas Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (D-16) spoke to the media about what took place on day two of the Republican National Convention a night before, immigration, reproductive rights, and Project 2025. “The Republicans yesterday and the day before have lied constantly to the American people,” Fulks said. “They’ve lied about positions on reproductive freedom, they have doubled down on harmful positions about everything. They've lied about crime statistics, they’ve lied about the economy, today we are going to hear them lie about foreign policy.”
Fulks said the campaign has plans to focus on all of those topics and others through November. United States Vice President Kamala Harris was in Kalamazoo, Michigan Tuesday afternoon. United States President Joseph R. Biden was in Las Vegas at the annual NAACP Convention.
“The Republicans are lying to the American people about virtually every single issue that impacts their lives,” Fulks said.
Fulks added that the campaign’s need to make sure voters understand what Project 2025 aims to change if put into place under a second Trump administration. He said, “it is extremely important for us. Our whole thing has been that this election has a choice, and that there are two very different visions for this country.”
A similar press conference focussing on Project 2025 took place in Atlanta on Thursday afternoon. Longtime Georgia Representative Hank Johnson, Georgia State Senator Sonya Halpern, and Georgia State Representative Derrick Jackson were on hand to talk to the media.
Asked if this was a coordinated effort by the Biden-Harris campaign, Fulks said that Trump is going to use Project 2025 to gut checks and balances, get rid of the Department of Education, and implement a nationwide abortion ban. “So we are going to continue to talk about [it] every single day,” Fulks said.
Cynthia D. Blake (in green dress), the assistant to the chairman for African American engagement, Summit County Republican Party in Akron Ohio wants her party to focus on the inner cities around America. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice
Milwaukee County Republican Party 2nd Vice Chair Cindy Weaver (in red) was one of many Black Republicans attending some of the parties around Milwaukee during RNC week.
Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice
Dreamer Te’Lario Watkins II visits ‘Shark Tank’
Sherry Darby: An Atlanta Entrepreneur Aiming to Leave a Legacy
BY ERINN GARDNER DTU Intern
Entrepreneurship: a universal term with countless perceptions. To Sherry Darby, being a successful entrepreneur means to leave an impactful legacy, to be economically sound, and to take risks for the greater good of a community. Darby is the proud founder of Be. Coffee Tea Wine, which is located in the Atlanta University Center (AUC), followed by a Kumon in South Fulton franchise, a math and reading learning center.
Throughout Darby’s matriculation at Spelman College, she majored in biology on the pre-medical track but later realized that was not her true calling. After graduating, she began working in the public sector as a teacher but felt as though she would not have a real impact on the world. Darby desired to shape the minds of tomorrow by preparing her students for the real world, however, this was hindered due to the restrictive curriculum. As a mother, she also recognized the importance of quality education for the youth. Shortly after this eye-opening moment, Darby intended on opening her own learning establishment.
“When I talk about having an impact, I don’t want to only teach you math and reading, but my mission is to also teach my students to give back and pour into their own communities,” Darby said.
However, she faced several obstacles on her journey. During the opening process, Darby’s higher-ups informed her that she must open her Kumon branch in their desired areas, rather than her predominantly Black community in South Fulton. Their justification was based on the assertion that she must open a Kumon center in a location where inhabitants are willing to pay for supplemental education, implying that the Black residents may not be inclined to pay for Kumon services because they are low-income.
After hiring independent demographers to assess the value of South Fulton's citizens' homes and income, it was conclusively demonstrated that the area possesses the financial resources to afford additional education. Darby victoriously established her Kumon in the Sandtown community in 2004.
“It almost defeated me because I knew I really wanted to do it. My son had done it, and I was just really into this program, and I knew what a game-changer it would be for specifically Black children. It was such a battle for me when they told me that I couldn't do it, but I was going to find a way,” Darby said.
Twenty years later, Kumon continues to prosper. However, Darby made the choice to contribute to her community in a new way. She saw a significant presence of gentrification in particular areas of Atlanta, where different
races are consistently relocating to historically Black communities, assuming ownership of their residences and businesses. While Darby appreciated the positive transformation of the community and the emergence of profitable businesses, she disagreed with the developers' efforts to alter communities entirely.
In an attempt to be part of the solution, Darby opened Be. Coffee Tea Wine in 2023
in a development zone in the AUC. Georgia Institute of Technology (GA Tech) sought to purchase the facility, but Morehouse School of Medicine fortunately acquired it instead, leaving Darby to lease space for her coffee shop. Being a Spelman alumna, she acknowledges the significance of Black students having their own space and understands that the atmosphere would completely shift if GA
Tech took over the area.
Furthermore, Darby founded the coffee shop with the intention of fostering solidarity and providing a safe space for the West End community. Her goal is to celebrate AUC students, creating an oasis where they feel valued and appreciated.
“When I was younger, I didn’t really know any Black entrepreneurs or have any in my circle. Everything in my community was owned by other races, so I just didn’t think about it being a realistic option for me,” Darby said. “But one day, I realized that I have to do something different if I really want to leave a legacy for my children and want them to see things differently.”
Sherry Darby (right) and her daughter Myla Darby inside Be. Coffee Tea Wine, Thursday, July 11, 2024. Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice
Sherry Darby (above), is an Entrepreneur aiming to leave a legacy of business and education in Atlanta. Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice
Sherry Darby (right) and her daughter Myla Darby inside Be. Coffee Tea Wine, Thursday, July 11, 2024. Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice
Vinyl Fiends offers vinyl-friendly fare for visitors to Ponce City Market
BY ALEX CATES
Over the past decade, vinyl has seen a resurgence, unlike any other form of media. Many young artists are co-releasing a vinyl version of their album alongside the version on streaming platforms. In the upstairs section of Old Fourth Ward’s Ponce City Market is a brand new Black-owned vinyl store, Vinyl Fiends.
Founded by Clayton County native DJ Silver Knight (aka DJ Silver), Vinyl Fiends hosts a collection of old-school vinyl from artists like Michael McDonald and James Ingram to Ice Cube and 2pac. This store attempts to offer a diverse selection of music, from classic rock, metal, and soul to modern-day hiphop.
With 90’s rap music playing in the background and a large painting of Andre 3000 overlooking the store, Vinyl Fiends offers a comforting ambiance as soon as you walk in the door. I was able to sit down with DJ Silver Knight to talk to him about how the idea for Vinyl Fiends came about. Silver noticed there were no stores near Ponce City Market and the surrounding area that specialized in vinyl, and most stores would specialize in clothes and sell vinyl as a novelty. Once realizing this missed opportunity, DJ Silver decided to open Vinyl Fiends.
Along with the diverse selection of vinyl throughout the store, two Audio Technica turntables and a camera setup are in the middle of the store. Every Friday, DJ Silver Knight goes live on Twitch and streams for his audience, followers, and music heads.
Vinyl Fiends has an online store where you can view and buy vinyl for those not close to the physical location. Alongside selling vinyl, Vinyl Fiends offers hip-hop-themed snacks, clothing, and DJing lessons for those at any skill level. Casually talking to DJ Silver, one can see his deep passion and love for music. He makes sure he buys quality records that he can sell at a reasonable price point. For those interested in visiting Vinyl Fiends, you can find the store on the second floor of Ponce City Market, which is open every Wednesday through Sunday.
Vinyl Fiends was founded by Clayton County native DJ Silver Knight (aka DJ Silver). Photo by Edwards Cates/The Atlanta Voice
The Atlanta Voice intern Alex Cates (left) interviews DJ Silver Knight at Vinyl Fiends on Thursday, July 11, 2024. Photo by Edward Cates/The Atlanta Voice
In the upstairs section of Ponce City Market is a brand new Black-owned vinyl store, Vinyl Fiends. Photo by Edward Cates/The Atlanta Voice
Arts
VOICE
Cam Kirk Studios Celebrates 7th Anniversary
BY NOAH WASHINGTON
Cam Kirk Studios is celebrating its seven-year anniversary with a limited-time pop-up location within The Battery Atlanta at Truist Park, home of the Atlanta Braves.
This summertime activation, open for two months from July 11 to August 31 will offer a new space for creators in Cobb County.
The temporary studio will be equipped with professional tools and photography accessories for use and purchase. Creators will have access to backdrops, creative color gels, V-Flats, lighting, and an on-site assistant to help bring their visions to life. Additionally, exclusive merchandise and Cam’s recently launched photography accessory line, CORE, which will be available at the pop-up.
“Our vision has always been to take Cam Kirk Studios on the road, bringing our unique creative energy to different areas, especially communities that need it. The Battery is our first stop in this new journey,” said Miller, general manager of Cam Kirk Studios. Miller moved from New York to Atlanta specifically to work at the studio in 2017.
Simone Walls, manager of community & foundation at the Atlanta Braves Foundation, also shared her thoughts on the impact of this collaboration.“The hope is that Cam Kirk Studios will impact the community through the work they do and the people they serve on a day-to-day basis,”Walls said. “This space allows them to inspire our creatives to elevate their careers, to advocate for themselves, and to really pour into their craft.”
Cam Kirk Foundation president Shelly Nicole Andrews also reflected on the journey to The Battery Atlanta. Telling The Atlanta Voice that the opportunity had a lot to do with a partnership with the Braves Foundation. "Our main goal here is not only to celebrate our seven-year milestone but also to transition into a new space that showcases Cam Kirk Studios beyond our original downtown location," Andrews said.
The pop-up studio is not just about expansion but also a celebration of the creative energy Cam Kirk Studios brings to Atlanta. Cam Kirk expressed his feelings about the new location. “We are super excited to expand our footprint to the northside and the exciting Battery community,” Kirk said. “Being recognized by Truist and having the opportunity to be one of the first Black-owned small businesses to have a residency inside the Tru -
ABOVE: The temporary studio (above) will be equipped with professional tools and photography accessories for use and purchase. Creators will have access to backdrops, creative color gels, V-Flats, lighting, and an on-site assistant to help bring their visions to life. Photo by Noah Washington/The Atlanta Voice
ist Community Corner is truly an honor,” Kirk said.
He hopes that this new location will introduce their work to a broader audience and inspire more people to join their creative community. “We’re celebrating seven years, and this is a major way to mark the occasion by expanding our footprint,” said Kirk. “We hope that new individuals and a new community of people come in and see what we’ve been doing downtown.”
Kirk shared his plans for the future: “We are in the process of solidifying a new permanent location, moving from our downtown spot to a more premium space soon.”
The pop-up is located at The Battery 800 Battery Ave SE #110, Atlanta, GA 30339
LEFT: Cam Kirk Studios is celebrating its seven-year anniversary with a limited-time pop-up location within The Battery Atlanta at Truist Park, home of the Atlanta Braves.
Photo by Noah Washington/ The Atlanta Voice
Teachers are just as likely to leave the classroom now as they were last year
BY AZIAH SIID
It’s no secret. Teachers are tired, overworked, overlooked, and flat-out under paid. Although many of the conversations about hiring and retaining teachers — especially Black teachers — were being discussed long before COVID-19, times are particularly tough. Education budgets nationwide are being crunched due to the end of pandemic-era aid from the federal government, and teachers have fewer resources to catch students up — plus students also need high-dosage intensive tutoring, after-school programming, and academic summer school, which teachers end up staffing.
Now a new report from RAND reveals that just like they expressed a year ago, teachers — particularly Black teachers — who once wanted to do nothing more than educate children are saying they’re ready to leave the profession.
For the report, researchers pulled information from the 2024 State of the American Teacher survey, which takes a look at kindergarten through 12th-grade public school teachers. Here are three takeaways from the analysis:
1. Black teachers were less likely to report experiencing job-related stress than white teachers, but they were significantly more likely to say that they intend to leave their school jobs — in addition to reporting lower base pay than their peers.
Despite studies showing Black students benefit from having at least one Black teacher during their K-12 education, Black teachers only make up 7% of the teaching workforce. If the Black teachers we do have
quit, the result could be reduced academic achievement, lower self-esteem, higher absenteeism, and a higher likelihood of Black kids being referred to special education.
The impact of Black teachers quitting also shows up financially in majority-Black school districts. For example, among teachers in Philadelphia, “more than 15% of them quit each year, costing a district around $20,000 per lost educator in added recruitment and new training costs, not to mention disruptions to student learning,” according to the Learning Policy Institute.
To top things off, the issue of the ‘invisible Black teacher tax,’ is increasingly becoming a hot topic regarding the treatment and pay of Black teachers, especially in comparison to their white counterparts. Black teachers working in the K-12 public space are often subjected to longer hours, lower pay, and more responsibility, which are some of the reasons they are not only leaving the classroom, but also the profession entirely.
To counter this, organizations like the Center for Black Teacher Development work to help Black teachers stay in the classroom. But according to RAND, Black teachers are still more likely to say they’re walking out the door.
2. Teachers overall reported experiencing about twice as much job-related stress or burnout as comparable working adults and nearly three times as many had a tough time coping with stress.
Teachers feel added pressures to make sure students that are significantly behind academically get up to grade level,are proficient in an academic subject area — and actually graduate. Some of the other sourc -
es of stress include the intrusion of political issues, their limited voice in school decision-making, lack of support from administration, and, for some, even physically feeling unsafe at their school site..
Indeed, in states like Florida and Iowa, book bans and restrictions on the rights and freedoms of LGBTQ+ school community members are leaving teachers feeling frustrated, and often confused about what they can do to protect themselves and students.
To counter this, organizations like the American Federation of Teachers have teamed up with educators nationwide to solve the problems causing such chronic levels of stress.
3. Teachers overall desired roughly a $16,000 increase, on average, to consider their pay adequate.
One of the factors leading to high levels of stress and wanting to leave the classroom is inadequate pay. Side hustles like second, and third jobs — as well as sticking around to run after-school tutoring or
extracurricular activities — are some ways teachers have tried to pull in extra cash.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, nearly 60% of public school teachers supplement their teaching salary with income through other jobs. Despite teachers working longer hours than comparable working adults in other professions, the only way educators feel like their pay is enough is to do more work.
How Do Schools Keep These Teachers?
As Travis J. Bristol, an associate professor of teacher education and education policy at Berkeley’s School of Education told Word In Black in February, it’s not rocket science what districts need to do to keep educators — particularly Black teachers — in the classroom. They need resources for their schools and classrooms, and support and training to help struggling students. And, as Bristol said, ”It’s important to say and note that the best recruitment strategy is a retention strategy.”
Kelsey L. Smoot’s book signing highlights identity exploration and empowerment
BY NOAH WASHINGTON
Walking into the Atlanta Theatre on Saturday, June 29, felt more like attending a family reunion than a discussion on a book release. Lauryn Hill’s music blasted through the speakers, and attendees embraced each other as if they had been separated for years. This was a celebration.
The Atlanta Theatre welcomed Kelsey L. Smoot, a poet, author, and trans-rights activist, for the signing and reading of their book, "We Was Bois Together," a collection of poems that explores themes of identity, community, and the intersectionality of race, gender, and sexuality.
The evening began with a conversation moderated by Tiana Brawley, and Smoot reflected on their journey from their early years to their current doctoral studies. Smoot, a PhD student at the College of William and Mary, moved to Atlanta in the winter of 2022 to start their doctoral research. They are now in the final year of their dissertation, focusing on masculinity and identity formation at the nexus of race, gender, and sexuality.
Smoot explained the title of their collection as an allusion to Toni Morrison's 1973 novel "Sula." In Morrison's novel, characters Nel and Sula share a profound connection that withstands the twists and turns of life, culminating in a revelation of their bond. Smoot elaborated to the audience who may not have read the book, "Nel and Sula grew up together, and life brings them through a series of twists and turns, and eventually they have this huge falling out. At the end of the book, one of the characters reveals how much the other one meant to her. The line 'we were girls together' is a profound expression of grief and love, an intense realization of their lifelong affinity for one another," Smoot said.
Smoot’s collection includes poems written at various stages of their lives. "Transitory" and "The Body (in theory)" are two of the earliest poems. Smoot wrote "Transitory" while grappling with the desire for top surgery and the associated anxieties.
"The Body in Theory" reflected their feelings of dysphoria and the process of coming out as trans. These poems were the collection’s backbone, with everything else growing from there.
"I wrote poems everywhere," Smoot shared, describing their creative process. "I have two kinds of processes. Sometimes, the poem is already written, and I just have to put my pen to paper. Other times, like with 'Dark Matter,' I challenge myself to learn a new form and sit down to write deliberately, " said Smooth. They often jot down phrases or words in their notes app, which Smoot would later bring together as complete poems. Smoot further cited some poems flowing out spontaneously in moments of inspiration, while others were more deliberate, crafted at the kitchen table or during quiet moments.
“There is no wrong way to be a gay Black girl," begins the poem "Dark Matter," a sestina. (a fixed verse form consisting of six stanzas of six lines each, normally followed by a threeline envoi.) Smoot, recounting their initial fear of writing in this form, said, "I was terrified of form, so much so that I was like, 'Ah, I don't need that.' But there was a moment when I decided to take poetry seriously. I sat at my kitchen table, Googled how to write a sestina, and mapped out the end words one by one," Smoot said. The poem explores the intersections of girlhood and boyhood, serving as a love letter to how Smoot and their friends grew up.
Smoot's work reflects their personal journey through various gender identities. They have been identified as a stud, a black queer masculine-of-center woman, genderqueer, non-binary, and finally as transmasculine non-binary. This fluidity demonstrates their ongoing journey of self-discovery and authenticity.
"I want my readers to understand that there is so much power, joy, and liberation to be found in a radical reclamation of imperfect masculinity," Smoot expressed.
During the event, Smoot shared, "I want my community to know that every single person I’ve interacted with over the last few years has informed these poems. Your support and presence mean the world to me”.
The Atlanta Theatre welcomed Kelsey L. Smoot (above), a poet, author, and trans-rights activist, for the signing and reading of their book, “We Was Bois Together,” a collection of poems. Photo by Noah Washington/The Atlanta Voice
Health
Three More Paycheck Protection Program Defendants Sentenced to Prison
Mental Health in Black Entertainment
BY RADHIYA ALSTON
Black Women Film Network and The Gathering Spot ATL partnered to host a panel titled Minding Your Mental Health in the Entertainment Industry. Melissa Ingram moderated the panel that featured Kat Graham, Shante Paige, Laura Morse, and Elissa Sanders.
Each of the ladies was able to offer a different perspective on maintaining mental health in the entertainment industry.
Sanders, a set therapist, started the conversation by saying, “The need for the discussion of mental health is there; it’s just time to embrace the support from the community.” Sanders also discussed her role on set, stating that she supports the cast and crew with any mental health needs during shooting.
Morse, a psychotherapist, discussed starting her work at the Alliance Theater at the height of the Covid pandemic. She expressed how many of the Black performers were having a hard time coming on stage to perform when Black Lives Matter was at its peak and so many people were dying from Covid. Morse said that
during that time, it was important that she let the actors know to “normalize taking care of yourself no matter what.”
Paige, an executive producer, says she has learned the importance of empathizing with talent. She said, “I do not want to push wounds to get talent to act up on set” when creating a show. Graham, an actress and activist, explained, “My mental health is defined by how much I’m in my purpose.” She discussed that when she is on her purpose, nothing can shake her mental state, but when she is not, anything can throw her off. Graham also said that setting her intentions daily keeps her mental well-being in check.
The ladies closed out the discussion by giving more tips on how to enhance mental health. Mores explained the importance of setting boundaries. She said, “You know your boundaries are working when you get pushback from people.” When that pushback happens, you will know who does not need to be in your life. Paige said, “Meditation, grounding, and paying attention to triggers” are tools that she uses.
“It is important to make decisions that boost and benefit your health,” Sanders said.
FULTON COUNTY ADVERTISEMENT FOR BID
Sealed bids for 24ITB143113C-JH – Microscopes for the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office Department, will be accepted by the Fulton County Department of Purchasing & Contract Compliance electronically through BidNet Direct at https://www.bidnetdirect. com/georgia/fultoncounty, on Thursday August 15, 2024. All bids submitted must be received no later than 11:00 a.m. local (Eastern) time on the stated date.
Bids will be publicly opened and read at 11:05 a.m. on the stated due date via Zoom: Link: Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/92203094253
Bid Bond: N/A
Scope of Work: Fulton County, Georgia (“County”) is seeking bids from qualified bidders responsible for acquiring, installing, and maintaining microscopes for the Medical Examiner’s Office Department as required.
The detailed scope of work and technical specifications is outlined in the Scope of Work, Section 4 of this bid document. In order to obtain complete information about this solicitation, please click the link below where this document and supporting documents can be downloaded, https://www.bidnetdirect.com/georgia/fultoncounty Fee: N/A
Term of Contract: One Time Procurement.
A Pre-Bid Conference, will be held via Zoom on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., local time, to provide bidders with information regarding the project and to address any questions. Link: Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/93641942475
If you have any questions regarding this project, please contact Joanna Hernandez, Assistant Purchasing Agent, at Email: joanna. hernandez@fultoncountyga.gov.
Fulton County reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids and to waive technicalities.
Associate Data Scientist II
Randstad General Partner (US) LLC – Atlanta, GA. Empl big data tchnolgs & anlytcs tchnqs to process & anlyz lg amts of data to derv insgts & prdctns that help imp bus decsns. Reqs Mstrs deg in Business Analytics, Stats, Comp Sci, Applied Math, Data Sci, MIS, Mgmt, Ops Rsrch, Indstrl Engnrg, or rltd fld. Mst hv 3 yrs exp as a Data Anlyst or rltd occ. Mst hv 3 yrs exp in: DB tchnlgy (Oracle, DB2, Bigquery, Hadoop, Impala, &/or SQL); Data Clng, Mnpultn, Anlys, & Rptng; Data visulztn (javascript, tableau, gnuplot, &/or matplotlib); & Progmg Lng (Python, Javascript, Java, &/or C). Mst hv 3 yrs exp in Adv Mach Lrng, Applied Stats, & AI, incl dmstrtd exp in Bus Dom, risk mgmt prtcls, absrt reqs, erly-stg iss/gaps ID, prob slvg, cncpts app, cust svc, basic sit anlys, statscl mdlng, comp progrmg, & SW engnrg. May wrk rmotly from any U.S. locatn – rpts to comp ofc in Atl, GA. Mst hv lgl auth to wrk in the U.S. EEOE. Send resumes to Valerie Hunter, Randstad General Partner (US) LLC, One Overton Park, 3625 Cumberland Blvd., Suite 500, Atlanta, GA 30339, or email to valerie.hunter@randstadusa.com. Pls ref job title + EY24 in cvr ltr/subj ln.
SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER OF ENERGY AND E-MOBILITY
Georgia Department of Economic Development (Atlanta, GA): Partner with state, local, and other officials to create job growth and investment in energy and e-mobility industries within the state of Georgia and develop state business recruitment and lead generation strategies in energy and e-mobility industries, including marketing efforts, tradeshow presence, and company outreach. Up to 30% domestic and international travel. Remote work permitted up to 2 days per week. Mail resume to: Georgia Department of Economic Development, Attn: Sara Gershon, 75 Fifth Street Northwest, Suite 1200, Atlanta, GA 30308. Reference job # VS666092
Black Women Film Network and The Gathering Spot ATL partnered to host a panel titled Minding Your Mental Health in the Entertainment Industry. Melissa Ingram moderated the panel that featured Kat Graham, Shante Paige, Laura Morse, and Elissa Sanders. Photo by Radhiya Alston/The Atlanta Voice
